Tractor trailer parts to steer Iskcon chariot on Ultorath
Times of India | 10 July 2024
Kolkata: Scouring an auto scrap market in north Kolkata’s Chiria More finally bore fruit on Tuesday with mechanics, led by a monk from Iskcon, finally laying their hands on a steering system required to repair Jagannath’s chariot.
“We were able to source all the components that need to be replaced, including the steering, the steering wheel plate, joint, three-piece rod, wheel, trade, arm, chassis plate, pinion and pinion rack.We have dismantled the earlier steering mechanism that had been in use since the chariot was built in 1978. Fitting the parts that we have procured from the market will require some modifications as they are of different dimensions. We hope to complete the work by Thursday so that trials can be conducted at night over the weekend before Ultorath,” said Iskcon vice-president Radharaman Das.
This will put to rest anxiety over the roadshow on Monday when Jagannath, Balaram and Subhadra ride the three chariots 8km from Brigade Parade Ground to the Iskcon temple on Albert Road via JL Nehru Road, S N Banerjee Road, CIT Road, Suhrawardy Avenue, Theatre Road and Hungerford Street.
“We are keen on ensuring the fiasco that had happened on the day of Rath, when Jagannath’s chariot broke down and could not travel along the scheduled route, is not repeated on Ultarath. Lakhs of devotees who had lined up to catch a glimpse of Jagannath were disappointed and we were embarrassed,” said Das.
While the earlier steering parts were sourced from a UK-make Leyland truck that went out of production several years ago, the parts that were purchased on Tuesday belong to a Tata Motors tractor trailer.
The repair is temporary in nature. Once Ultarath is over and the chariots return to the garage in Rajarhat, Iskcon will undertake a thorough makeover of Jagannath’s chariot and change its wheels and steering system.
“A new steering system will be installed along with new tyres from Sukhoi Su-30 fighter aircraft to replace those of Boeing B-737 that are worn out,” Das added.